Why Was Ahmadiyya Community Doctor Killed in Pakistan?
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Synopsis
The tragic killing of Dr. Sheikh Ahmad Mahmood highlights the ongoing persecution of the Ahmadiyya community in Pakistan. This incident raises critical questions about religious intolerance and the safety of minority groups in the region.
Key Takeaways
- The tragic murder of Dr. Sheikh Ahmad Mahmood underscores the persecution faced by the Ahmadiyya community in Pakistan.
- The incident highlights the urgent need for effective law enforcement actions to protect religious minorities.
- There is a concerning trend of rising violence against Ahmadis, with multiple attacks occurring within a short timeframe.
- Authorities must take action to address hate speech and incitement against minority communities.
- Reports from human rights organizations indicate a broader issue of religious intolerance in Pakistan.
Islamabad, May 17 (NationPress) A well-known Pakistani physician, Sheikh Ahmad Mahmood, who was a member of the minority Ahmadiyya community, was fatally shot at Fatima Hospital in Sargodha, Punjab province, by extremist individuals due to his religious beliefs, as reported by local media.
The police investigation revealed that the assailant arrived at the hospital on Friday, disguised as a staff member of the 'Clean Punjab Program'. He approached the victim and shot him twice in the back, exclaiming: 'I won't spare you today, Mahmood.' This attack caused severe damage to the doctor's internal organs.
After the shooting, the doctor was rushed to the District Headquarters Teaching Hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
The shooter managed to escape the scene on a motorcycle with an accomplice.
A statement from the Ahmadiyya community indicated that the doctor had been receiving threats from extremists for some time, who were pressuring him to relocate his workplace.
'He was a kind-hearted individual who bore no malice toward anyone,' remarked a spokesperson for the Ahmadiyya community, reflecting on the tragic loss.
This incident marks the third attack targeting an Ahmadiyya individual in the last month, raising alarm about a systematic wave of violence against this community.
'The alarming rise in targeted killings of Ahmadis, stemming from religious differences, underscores a pressing need for immediate intervention and effective measures from law enforcement agencies,' the statement emphasized. 'The escalation of hate crimes against Ahmadis is unacceptable, and authorities must act swiftly to ensure justice.'
According to the spokesperson, extremist groups are active against the Ahmadiyya community in Sargodha and beyond, often registering baseless cases against them and inciting hate speech to disrupt their religious practices.
Reports indicate that last month, a 46-year-old businessman was brutally murdered by hundreds of supporters from a religio-political party who stormed an Ahmadiyya place of worship in Karachi's Saddar area to obstruct their religious activities.
In March, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan released a report titled 'Under Siege: Freedom of Religion or Belief in 2023-24', highlighting a continuous threat to freedom of religion in Pakistan, with a rise in violence and discrimination based on religious beliefs.
The report pointed to an increasing trend of mob attacks targeting homes and places of worship belonging to religious minorities.
Point of View
It is imperative to acknowledge the troubling trend of violence targeting minority communities in Pakistan. The Ahmadiyya community, in particular, faces increasing threats, and incidents like the tragic killing of Dr. Mahmood warrant urgent attention and action from both law enforcement and society at large to foster an environment of tolerance and respect for all religious beliefs.
NationPress
14/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Dr. Sheikh Ahmad Mahmood?
Dr. Sheikh Ahmad Mahmood was shot inside Fatima Hospital in Sargodha, Punjab, by an assailant motivated by extremist views due to his faith.
Why was Dr. Mahmood targeted?
He was targeted because he belonged to the Ahmadiyya community, which faces persecution and violence in Pakistan due to its religious beliefs.
How many Ahmadiyya individuals have been attacked recently?
Dr. Mahmood's killing marks the third attack on an Ahmadiyya individual in just one month.
What actions are being called for in response to this violence?
There are calls for immediate intervention from law enforcement to address the systematic violence against the Ahmadiyya community.
What does the Human Rights Commission report say?
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan's report highlights the increasing threats to freedom of religion and a rise in mob-led attacks against religious minorities.
